as much as i (rightfully) take the piss out of "older dudes on hi-performance thrusters" (because often see so much sub-par surfing on such) i'm back in the market for a hi-perf thruster myself

still want to keep surfing singles for all the flow and grace on those lovely walled up days, but after a board to rip the bag out of beach break conditions, from say somewhat punchy chest high through to double overhead drainpipes. a board for high n tight short arc hacking in the pocket, or drawn out rail carves out of the face.

i'm a bit out the loop on what's out there today (shapers, models, etc) so please submit your recommendations.

was thinking a board around the 32-33 litres (i like a bit more volume for glide speed) and somewhere around 6'2 x 20 x 2 5/8 (geared more for the smaller wave end of the spectrum) or 6'3 x 19.75 x 2 5/8 (for the upper range), round tail (rounded pin or pulled in squash).

Well hatchy that is a pretty straightforward and popular recipe in modern hi per surfing, you'll find heaps of versions of it in shop racks. I think a lot of boardmakers have been influenced by the past couple of excellent seasons in Indo and also by JJF/Pyzel's success with that stye of board (see shearer's recent Ghost)

If I were you I'd just wander some shops and have a look. You'll know more about what you need than I do, plus browsing good surfboard shops is a pleasure these days as long as you can avoid too much sales staff interaction. I do think Simon A is way up at or near the head of the pack for that sort of board and is excellent at hiding volume -- so you get paddle power etc without sacrificing fine edge bite. Chilli also. Mike Psillakis for maybe a more direct surfer shaper conversation. Warner, Hayden, both have fine examples of the style in their quivers.

I look at your weight and height and think 20" is pretty wide for that length of board, it'll glide along and turn off the outline but the full rocker line turn will evade you, the rocker is harder to get to as board width increases. Maybe think more about 19" over 6'2" or 6'3" so the outline curve draws a bit and you can get to the rocker faster in a turn. You can still get to 32/33 litres easily on such a width just by the designer being clever with thicknesses.

Thanks Nick. Appreciate it. Understand the narrower board is better for more response though I’m a broad as hell shouldered ape and have found going a bit wider adds some more base stability (I could probably go 19.25). Might even have a chat to Stuart Paterson about a custom

A buddy of mine was riding boards slightly wider than he had in the past. While he enjoyed the ease of paddling he got bored. Bought a Chilli Peri Peri and is now a very happy dude. Check it out sounds like it could be in the vast options list

Last edited by Thud on Fri Dec 08, 2017 3:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.